Intense heatwave scorches western Europe, millions affected

A powerful heatwave is sweeping across Western Europe, bringing soaring temperatures to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain, with forecasters warning that the extreme heat is likely to intensify in the coming days.

France has been among the hardest-hit countries, prompting authorities to adjust school schedules as temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in some areas. Meteorologists have described the event as a prolonged heatwave, while Germany is also experiencing unusually hot conditions, although thunderstorms, hail, and heavy rain are forecast for parts of the country later this week.

In the United Kingdom, temperatures have been less extreme than on the European mainland, but weather officials say England and Wales have recorded their warmest spring on record. Britain's Met Office has warned there is around a 40% chance that June could surpass previous national temperature records, including those set during the historic summer of 1976.

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Scientists say human-driven climate change is making extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods more frequent and intense. Experts describe the current spell as the second major heatwave of the year for many parts of Western Europe, prompting governments across the region to issue public health warnings and strengthen emergency preparedness measures.